Lilac seem to be a 'standard' in the old fashioned garden and in older neighborhoods. Lilacs are some of the first bloomers in the spring, the same time as iris and peonies. Those are some of my favorite bouquets to make.
Lilacs are tought, hardy perennial plants and need little care. Some are more vase shaped and others can sucker and create a hedge. Make sure you ge the type you want when purchasing.
As you see here, they come in a wide variety of pinks, blues, purples and also not shown - whites & creams. Some dwarf plants are only a few feet high, while tree lilacs can be up to 25' tall. The Japanese tree lilac is hardy here, creamy colored fragrant flowers, bloom after the shrub lilacs.
Pruning lilacs is when the usual mistake gets made. They need to be pruned shortly after they are done blooming within 2 weeks. After the bloom, the buds (next years flowers) are set for the following year. So prune back before this happens! If you prune back in late summer - fall, you will be cutting off next years blooms. =(
Lilacs really need no extra fertilizer, prefer full sun - but will tolerate some shade & normal water.
I have some full grown plants for sale that bloom too early for my bouquet use. Please contact me if interested, they will have to be spaded out. I also have a variety of full grown viburnums, dogwoods & sharp leaf willow to be spaded out as well. 507-382-9337 They will be ready to move in early April, get 'em in time to bloom in your yard!
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